author
Zengzi
-505–-437
A close disciple of Confucius, he helped shape some of the core ideas that later defined Confucian learning. He is especially remembered for teaching moral self-cultivation, careful daily reflection, and deep respect for family duty.
1 Audiobook
The book of filial duty
by Confucius, Zengzi
About the author
Born in 505 BCE, Zengzi, also known as Zeng Shen or Master Zeng, was an early Chinese philosopher and one of the best-known disciples of Confucius. Later tradition places him in the line of teachers linking Confucius to later major Confucian thinkers, which helped make him an important figure in the history of the tradition.
He is closely associated with the Confucian ideals of filial piety, loyalty, and self-examination. Zengzi is traditionally connected with the Great Learning, a short but highly influential classic that became one of the Four Books of Confucianism.
Stories about him often stress sincerity, discipline, and devotion to ethical living. Whether read as history or moral example, they show why he remained such a respected model of learning and character long after his death, usually dated to 436 BCE.